English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 2 and 4 only.

Key Points

• National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was established in 2014 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• The National Center for Good Governance (NCGG) is an autonomous institution aimed at fostering governance reforms through studies.

Additional Information

• Originally stemming from the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), which originated in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). Hence statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
• NCGG addresses governance issues at local, state, and national levels across various sectors.
• Its focus includes governance, policy reforms, capacity building, and training for civil servants and technocrats in India and other developing countries.
• NCGG designs training courses, facilitates knowledge sharing, and actively explores and develops ideas for government implementation at both national and international levels.
• The center has been actively involved in diverse areas such as primary education, decentralized planning, capacity building for Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), participatory learning models, rural development, cooperatives, and public sector management.
• Governed by a body chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, NCGG plays a crucial role in shaping effective governance practices. Hence statement 4 is correct.

The correct answer is 2.

Key Points

• The themes for the International Day of Yoga from 2015 to 2023:
• 2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
• 2016: Yoga for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
• 2017: Yoga for Health
• 2018: Yoga for Peace
• 2019: Yoga for Heart
• 2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family
• 2021: Yoga for Well-being
• 2022: Yoga for Humanity
• 2023: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Additional Information

• The 9^th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrated on June 21^st, 2023, featured several key highlights and initiatives:
• Promoting Tribal Artisans: TRIFED collaborated with the Ministry of Ayush to supply yoga mats made exclusively by tribal artisans, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of India's tribes.
• Ocean Ring of Yoga: The Indian Navy and Merchant ships organized yoga demonstrations at ports and vessels of friendly countries, promoting global participation.
• Yoga from the Arctic to Antarctica: Coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ayush to organize yoga events along the Prime Meridian line and in UN member countries.
• Yoga sessions were held at extreme regions like Himadri in the Arctic and Bharati in Antarctica.
• Yoga Bharatmala and Yoga Sagarmala: Indian armed forces, including ITBP, BSF, and BRO, formed a chain of yoga demonstrations.
• Yoga Sagarmala featured yoga along the Indian coastline, with demonstrations on the flight deck of INS Vikrant.
• National Level Initiatives:
• The Prime Minister led yoga at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, demonstrating global commitment.
• The Ministry of Ayush encouraged "Har Aangan Yoga" to enable yoga observation at the village level.
• Historical Background and Significance:
• The International Day of Yoga (IDY) was proposed by India at the UN General Assembly in 2014, and June 21^st was proclaimed as IDY by the UN in December 2014.
• The first Yoga Day celebrations in 2015 set two Guinness World Records for the world's largest yoga session and participants from 84 nationalities.
• Related Initiatives:
• M-Yoga App: An app announced by the Prime Minister, in collaboration with WHO and the Ministry of Ayush, to promote ‘One World One Health’.
• Yoga Recognized as a Sports Discipline: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recognized Yoga as a sports discipline and placed it in the ‘Priority’ category in September 2015.
• Common Yoga Protocol: The Ministry of Ayush's ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ listed Yama, Niyama, Asana, etc., among popular yoga ‘sadhanas’.
• Fit India Movement: Yoga is incorporated into the Fit India Movement, a nationwide campaign promoting physical activities and sports in everyday lives.

The correct answer is 4.

Key Points

• INS Tarkash in IBSAMAR VII:
• INS Tarkash reached Port Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, to participate in the seventh edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) exercise, known as IBSAMAR VII.
• This joint multinational maritime exercise involves the Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navies and is held in South Africa from October 10 to October 12, 2022.
• IBSAMAR is a crucial component of the trilateral defense cooperation among India, Brazil, and South Africa.

Additional Information

• India's Other Maritime Exercises:
• India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) with Thailand.
• Konkan - Shakti with the United Kingdom.
• Samudra Shakti with Indonesia
• Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) with Singapore
• Zair-Al-Bahr with Qatar
• Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with Japan
• IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa):
• About: IBSA is a trilateral developmental initiative involving India, Brazil, and South Africa, promoting South-South cooperation and exchange.
• Formation: The IBSA Dialogue Forum was formalized when the Foreign Ministers of the three countries met in Brasilia (Brazil) on June 6, 2003, and issued the Brasilia Declaration.
• IBSA Fund: Established in 2004, the IBSA Fund (India, Brazil, and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation) executes development projects with IBSA funding in fellow developing countries.

The correct answer is Cairo.

Key Points

• Heliopolis Memorial Visit - June 24, 2023:
• On June 24, 2023, the Prime Minister of India is scheduled to pay his respects at the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial, situated within the Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt.
• About Heliopolis Memorial:
• The Heliopolis Memorial is part of the larger Heliopolis Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.
• It commemorates the sacrifice of 3,727 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in various campaigns in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War.
• The original Port Tewfik memorial, unveiled in 1926 at the entrance to the Suez Canal, was destroyed during the Israeli-Egyptian War of 1967.
• In 1980, a new memorial was erected in the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.
• Indian troops played a significant role in securing the Suez Canal in Egypt and participated in key battles in Palestine, including the Battle of Haifa. They also played a crucial role in Mesopotamia during the First World War.

Additional Information

• Key Facts about Port Suez (formerly Port Tewfik):
• Port Suez is situated along the northern coastline of the Gulf of Suez in Egypt.
• It marks the southern terminus of the Suez Canal, a vital waterway that runs north-south through Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Suez.

The correct answer is Hooghly.

Key Points

• India's First Underwater Metro - April 15, 2023:
• On April 15, 2023, India's first underwater metro successfully conducted its trial run beneath the Hooghly River in Kolkata.
• This groundbreaking project is an integral part of the Kolkata Metro's East-West Corridor.

Additional Information

• Key Features:
• Location: The underwater metro passes beneath the Hooghly River in the northeast region of Kolkata.
• Depth: The tunnel is situated 13 meters below the riverbed and 33 meters below ground level.
• Total Tunnel Length: The underwater metro tunnel spans a total length of 520 meters.
• Corridor: This section is part of the 4.8 kilometers underground stretch connecting Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.
• Deepest Metro Station: Once operational, Howrah will become the deepest metro station in the country, situated 33 meters below the surface.
• Travel Time: The metro is expected to cover the 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly River in a remarkable 45 seconds.

The correct answer is 2.

Key Points

• Participating Countries:
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Victory in SAFF Championship 2023:
• India achieved a significant victory in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship 2023 held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The triumph marked India's ninth title in the SAFF Championship, with the team defeating Kuwait in an exciting football match.
• SAFF Championship Overview:
• The SAFF Championship is an internationally recognized football tournament that involves teams from the South Asian subcontinent.
• Organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), which is one of the five sub-confederations under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Additional Information

• SAFF Formation:
• SAFF was formed in 1997 by founding Member Associations from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• The SAFF Secretariat currently operates from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Origin and Evolution:
• Founding members include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Maldives, Bhutan joined in 2000, and Afghanistan became a member in 2005 before moving to the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) in 2015.
• The tournament began as the SAARC Gold Cup in 1993, later renamed the South Asian Gold Cup, and eventually became the SAFF Gold Cup from 1997 to 2005. Since 2008, it has been known as the SAFF Championship.
• India's Performance:
• Men's SAFF Championship: India has been a dominant force, reaching the finals in all editions except 2003. The team has won nine titles.
• Women's SAFF Championship: India secured victories in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019.
• Guest Teams and Sanctions:
• Football Sri Lanka was sanctioned by FIFA on January 21, 2023, making them ineligible for participation.
• Kuwait and Lebanon were invited as guest teams to increase the number of participating teams and enhance the competition.

The correct answer is Blue Pansy.

Key Points 

• Blue Pansy - State Butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir:
• The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has chosen the Blue Pansy (Junonia Orithya) as the 'State Butterfly' for the Union Territory.
• This butterfly is known for its vibrant blue and black wings adorned with striking orange spots, creating a mesmerizing sight as it flutters through the meadows and gardens of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The declaration of the Blue Pansy as the State Butterfly is a step towards promoting awareness and conservation efforts for the rich biodiversity found in the region.

Additional Information

• Other State and Union Territory Butterflies:
• Arunachal Pradesh: Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis) - Notified in 2021.
• Goa: Malabar Tree-Nymph (Idea malabarica) - Notified in 2021.
• Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory): Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) - Notified in 2023.
• Karnataka: Sahyadri Birdwing (Troides minos), also known as the Southern Birdwing - Notified in 2016.
• Kerala: Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio buddha).
• Maharashtra: Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor), now recognized as a subspecies of Papilio agenor.
• Sikkim: Blue Duke (Bassarona durga) - Notified in 2022.
• Tamil Nadu: Tamil Yeoman (Cirrochroa thais) - Notified in 2019.
• Tripura: Common Birdwing (Troides helena) - Notified in 2019.
• Uttarakhand: Common Peacock (Papilio bianor), which is now recognized as Woolly-branded Peacock (Papilio polyctor).

The correct answer is 3.

Key Points

• Titan Submersible Incident:
• Operator and Purpose: The Titan submersible is operated by the privately owned U.S. company OceanGate.
• It is utilized for underwater expeditions, catering to both research and tourism.
• Construction and Components: The submersible was constructed using "off-the-shelf" components, emphasizing a lighter and more cost-efficient design compared to other deep-diving submersibles.
• Made of carbon fiber and titanium, the Titan weighs 10,432 kilograms.
• It is capable of reaching depths of 4,000 meters under the sea and can move at a speed of three knots per hour (5.56 kph).
• Objective of the Journey: The Titan Submersible was on a mission to explore the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, which lies nearly 4,000 meters underwater in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• The U.S. Coast Guard reported a "catastrophic implosion" of the submersible.
• Safety Concerns: The submersible's forward viewport was certified for 1,300 meters, but the mission aimed to reach 4000 metres.
• The combination of titanium and carbon fiber in the pressure vessel raised concerns due to their differing properties under deep-diving conditions.

The correct answer is 3.

Key Points

• Dr. Syama Road Tunnel in Jammu:
• Former Name: The tunnel was previously known as the Chenani Nashri Tunnel.
• Length: It is the longest highway tunnel in India, covering a distance of nine kilometers.
• Connectivity: The tunnel links Udhampur to Ramban in Jammu, reducing the travel distance by 31 km.
• Integrated Tunnel Control System: Dr. Syama Road Tunnel is the first tunnel in India equipped with an integrated tunnel control system. This system automatically manages ventilation, fire control, signals, communication, and electrical systems.
• Atal Tunnel:
• Altitude and Length: Atal Tunnel, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, holds the record for being the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). It is 9.02 km long.
• Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the tunnel on October 3, 2020.
• Location: Situated on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, it connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
• Builder: Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Confusion Points

• Chenani-Nashri Tunnel Renaming: The Chenani-Nashri Tunnel in J&K has been renamed the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel.
• Longest Road Tunnel: The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel (Chenani-Nashri Tunnel) is mentioned as the longest road tunnel in India, covering 9.28 km. It ensures all-weather connectivity, even during harsh winter weather.

Additional Information

• Longest Railway Tunnel in India:
• Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel: This railway tunnel is one of India's longest, stretching approximately 11.21 kilometers. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, it is a crucial part of the Jammu Baramulla Railway line, significantly reducing travel time across challenging mountainous terrain.
• Shortest Tunnel in India:
• Bhanwar Tonk Tunnel: The Bhanwar Tonk Tunnel in Chhattisgarh holds the title of the shortest tunnel in India, measuring 1,024 meters. Despite its short length, this tunnel plays a vital role in improving regional connectivity and transportation infrastructure.

The correct answer is 1.

Key Points

• Dilip Mahalanabis (posthumous):
• Category (List II): Medicine (औषधि)
• Contribution: Dilip Mahalanabis was a renowned pediatrician and public health researcher.
• He dedicated his life to addressing malnutrition in children and founded the non-governmental organization "Child in Need Institute" (CINI) in Kolkata.
• Sudha Murthy:
• Category (List II): Social Work (सामाजिक कार्य)
• Contribution: Sudha Murthy is a social worker, author, and the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation.
• S.M. Krishna:
• Category (List II): Public Affairs (सार्वजनिक मामले)
• Contribution: S.M. Krishna is a veteran politician and has served in various capacities in Indian politics. He has been a Chief Minister of Karnataka, Governor of Maharashtra, and has held several ministerial positions at the state and central levels.
• S.L. Bhyrappa:
• Category (List II): Literature & Education (साहित्य और शिक्षा)
• Contribution: S.L. Bhyrappa is a celebrated Kannada novelist and scholar.

The correct answer is 3.

Key Points

• Hornbill Festival (Nagaland):
• Celebrated in: Nagaland
• Significance: Hornbill Festival is a vibrant celebration showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland. It features traditional music, dance, and indigenous games.
• Chapchar Kut (Mizoram):
• Celebrated in: Mizoram
• Significance: Chapchar Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in Mizoram. It involves traditional dances, music, and feasting. It marks the clearing of the forests for jhum cultivation.
• Nongkrem Dance Festival (Meghalaya):
• Celebrated in: Meghalaya
• Significance: Nongkrem Dance Festival is a significant Khasi festival celebrated in the state.
• It includes traditional dances performed by young girls and is a thanksgiving ceremony to the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich harvest.
• Saga Dawa (Sikkim):
• Celebrated in: Sikkim
• Significance: Saga Dawa is an important Buddhist festival celebrated in Sikkim. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Pilgrims circumambulate the sacred places during this festival.

Additional Information

• Arunachal Pradesh:
• Torgya Festival
• Reh Festival
• Nyokum Yullo
• Assam:
• Bihu Festival
• Ambubachi Mela
• Ali-Ai-Ligang
• Baishagu
• Manipur:
• Lui-Ngai-Ni
• Yaoshang
• Chumpha Festival
• Kang Festival
• Meghalaya:
• Nongkrem Dance Festival
• Wangala Festival
• Behdeinkhlam
• Shad Suk Mynsiem
• Mizoram:
• Chapchar Kut
• Mim Kut
• Pawl Kut
• Thalfavang Kut

The correct answer is Russia.

Key Points

• India has procured the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system from Russia.
• The S-400 Triumf, developed by the Russian company Almaz-Antey, is one of the most advanced long-range air defense systems globally.
• Features: It is designed to engage a variety of aerial targets, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic and cruise missiles. The system is known for its versatility and ability to track and destroy multiple targets simultaneously.

Additional Information

• Development and Origin:
• Developed in the 1990s by Russia's NPO Almaz.
• An upgrade to the S-300 family of missiles, previously known as the S-300 PMU-3.
• Nomenclature:
• NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler.
• Russian name: C-400 Триумф – Triumf (Translation: Triumph).
• Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System:
• The S-400 Triumf is a sophisticated and mobile surface-to-air missile system.

The correct answer is 4.

Key Points

• Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual Olympic gold medal in the 10-meter air rifle shooting event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
• Event: Abhinav Bindra competed in the 10-meter air rifle shooting event, which involves shooting at a target from a distance of 10 meters. The precision and accuracy required in this event make it a challenging and highly competitive discipline.

Additional Information

• First Medals won by Indians at Olympics.
• 1928 Amsterdam Olympics:
• India won its first Olympic medals in 1928 when the Indian men's field hockey team secured the gold medal. This was a significant achievement as it marked India's entry into the Olympic medal tally.
• 1952 Helsinki Olympics:
• Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav won an individual bronze medal in wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He became the first individual Olympic medalist for independent India.Apart from Abhinav Bindra's gold in shooting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, India had other medalists at the Games.
• Here are the Indian athletes who won medals at the 2008 Olympics:
• Medal: Vijender Singh won the bronze medal, becoming the first Indian boxer to clinch an Olympic medal.
• Vijender Singh (Bronze):
• Sport: Boxing
• Event: Middleweight (75 kg)
• Medal: Sushil Kumar secured the bronze medal, marking a significant achievement in Indian wrestling.
• Sushil Kumar (Bronze):
• Sport: Wrestling
• Event: Men's Freestyle 66 kg

The correct answer is Sanskrit.

Key Points

• The very name 'Cheetah' (Acinonyx Jubatus Venaticus) originates from Sanskrit and means 'the spotted one'.
• Comprehensive Outcomes of Project Cheetah's First Year:
• Survival in the Wild:
• Cheetahs, meant for a total of 142 months in the wild, spent less than 27 months combined.
• Faced a setback with a 40% loss in the functional adult population, resulting in the death of six out of 20 cheetahs.
• Four cubs were born in India, but three died, and the fourth is being raised in captivity.
• Home Range Establishment:  
• Goal was for cheetahs to establish home ranges in Kuno.
• Only three cheetahs spent more than three months continuously in the wild, but doubts exist about the successful establishment of "home ranges" in Kuno.
• Challenges Project Cheetah Faces:
• Integrity Challenges:
• Three Namibian cheetahs were captive-raised as "research subjects," compromising project integrity.
• Shift in Stance:
• India's decision to abstain from CITES vote against trade in elephant ivory after importing cheetahs raised ethical concerns.
• Paradigm Shift Ahead:
• Kuno's inability to support a genetically self-sustaining population necessitates a paradigm shift towards a meta-population approach.
• Kuno's Carrying Capacity:
• Feasibility challenges with the current carrying capacity of Kuno for a single population of 50 cheetahs.
• A meta-population scattered over central and western India is now considered.

Additional Information

• Cheetah Reintroduction Project Overview:
• Formal commencement on September 17, 2022, to restore cheetah population in India.
• Translocation of cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
• In March 2023, India announced the birth of 4 cubs to one of the eight cheetahs relocated from Namibia.
• Currently, 11 cheetahs in free-ranging condition, and 5 animals, including a cub, in quarantine enclosures.
• Dedicated monitoring teams ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the free-ranging cheetahs.

The correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Points

• The discovery of a new species of the venomous green pit viper in Arunachal Pradesh, named Trimeresurus salazar, is an interesting development.
• Discovery: The new species was discovered in the thick, evergreen forests of Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The discovery took place during a field expedition in July 2019.
• Scientific Name: The scientific name assigned to the new species is Trimeresurus salazar.
• Naming Inspiration: The species has been named after Salazar Slytherin, a fictional character from the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling.
• This naming convention often reflects the creativity and diverse interests of researchers and scientists.
• Habitat: The thick and evergreen forests of Pakke Tiger Reserve provide a suitable habitat for the newly discovered species.

The correct answer is Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal, Lakshya Sen.

Key Points

• Pullela Gopichand won the prestigious All England Badminton Championships in 2001 in the men's singles category.
• Saina Nehwal secured the runner-up position in the All England Badminton Championships in 2015.
• Lakshya Sen secured the runner-up position in the All England Badminton Championships in 2022.

  Additional Information

• Prakash Padukone, P.V. Sindhu, Parupalli Kashyap
• Prakash Padukone won the title in 1980, but P.V. Sindhu and Parupalli Kashyap have never won or secured the runner-up position in the All England Badminton Tournament.
• Prakash Padukone, Pullela Gopichand, Srikanth Kidambi
• Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand won the titles in 1980 and 2001, respectively, but Srikanth Kidambi has never won or secured the runner-up position in the All England Badminton Tournament.
• Lakshya Sen, Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu
• Lakshya Sen and Saina Nehwal were runners-up in 2022 and 2015, respectively, but P.V. Sindhu has never won or secured the runner-up position in the All England Badminton Tournament.

The correct answer is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

Key Points

• Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia and a smaller portion on the Balkans in Southeast Europe.
• It is bordered by eight countries and has a coastline along three different seas: the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea.
• Capital and Major Cities:
• The capital of Turkey is Ankara.
• Istanbul is the largest city and a major cultural and economic hub.
• Government:
• Turkey is a republic with a democratic, secular, and parliamentary system of government.
• Language:
• The official language is Turkish.
• Currency:
• The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).

The correct answer is Time Shelter.

Key Points

• The International Booker Prize, a sibling of the Booker Prize, is awarded for a book translated into English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
• The £50,000 prize money is split evenly between the author and translator of the winning novel.
• In 2023, the International Booker Prize was won by Georgi Gospodinov and Angela Rodel for the novel 'Time Shelter’.
• This made Georgi Gospodinov the first-ever Bulgarian writer to win the prestigious award.

The correct answer is Suriname.

Key Points

• The Honorary Order of the Yellow Star," and it is indeed the most prestigious state decoration in the Republic of Suriname.
• This order is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Surinamese people or the nation.
• Additionally, it's noteworthy that President Droupadi Murmu recently became the first Indian to receive the Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star.
• The establishment of the order in 1975, coinciding with Suriname's independence, and its replacement of the Dutch Order of the Netherlands Lion mark important milestones in the country's history.

Additional Information

• Order of King Abdulaziz Al Saud: Saudi Arabia
• State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan: Afghanistan
• Grand Collar of the State of Palestine: Palestine
• Order of Zayed: United Arab Emirates
• Order of St. Andrew: Russia
• Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin: Maldives
• King Hamad Order of the Renaissance: Bahrain
• Legion of Merit: United States
• Order of the Dragon King: Bhutan
• Order of Fiji: Fiji
• Order of Logohu: Papua New Guinea
• Order of the Nile: Egypt
• Legion of Honour: France
• Order of Honour: Greece

The correct answer is 2.

Key Points

• The new Parliament building was inaugurated on May 28, 2023, replacing the old 85-year-old structure.
• The old building faced challenges like space inadequacy, structural issues, and the need for heritage protection.
• The new triangular building, covering approximately 65,000 sq m, optimizes space and features a Lok Sabha hall inspired by a peacock theme and a Rajya Sabha hall with a lotus theme.
• It can accommodate 888 and 384 seats, respectively, and up to 1,272 seats for joint sessions.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the construction on December 10, 2020, with an estimated cost of ₹9.71 billion.

Additional Information

• The first session in the new Parliament occurred on September 19, 2023.
• The new Parliament building, designed by architect Bimal Patel, stands next to the old one built in 1927 by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker.
• Influenced by Hindu Chausath Yogini Temple and resembling the Vijaya Temple of Vidisha, it has a hexagonal shape and is earthquake-resistant with a lifespan of over 150 years.
• With a built-up area of 20,866 sq m, it accommodates 888 seats in the Lok Sabha chamber and 384 seats in the Rajya Sabha chamber.
• Unlike the old building, it lacks a central hall.
• The Parliament House has three entrances – Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar, and Karma Dwar – guarded by statues of Gaja, Ashwa, Garuda, Makar, Shardula, and Hams. A Foucault pendulum in the central foyer symbolizes India's cosmic integration.
• The Lok Sabha chamber houses the Sengol, and the Shilp Deergha gallery showcases 255 crafts from 400 artisans, representing eight themes.